A HOUSING developer is planning to build 73 houses and six flats on the site of a former Yeadon dyeworks.

Leeds-based David Wilson Homes Ltd has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council, for the former Scott and Rhodes Banksfield Dyeworks, off Otley Lane.

The mill closed in December 1998, with the loss of 73 jobs.

Councillor Mike Dunn (Lab, Aireborough) has sent letters to residents living near the site, giving them the address and telephone number of Leeds City Council, if they wish to comment on the plan.

He said: "It seems a little bit intensive use of the land, but I haven't seen the plan yet. The plan will also involve a change of use. If it is found that there is no possibility of employment use, then residential development is going to be likely."

Coun Dunn stressed that the plan was limited to brownfield land, not the disputed green fields of Yeadon Banks, behind the dyeworks.

Residents put together a 500-signature petition in an attempt to prevent the green belt land being designated a 'protected area of search' - which they feared could lead to houses being built there.

But Coun Dunn said a residential development on the dyeworks itself may take the pressure off the nearby green land.

Veteran Yeadon Banks protester, Alice Thompson, said some residents of Whitestone Crescent were against the plan.

Mrs Thompson, of St Andrew's Court, said she was in favour of having the factory demolished, but would prefer to see housing that might benefit the existing community.

"Something for the older people would be much nicer. I think having some bungalows would be wonderful," she said.

Mrs Thompson said there was concern that the Dyeworks development might stretch to Haw Lane.

David Wilson Homes told our reporter it did not want to comment on the plan.